CenterPoint Energy’s Indiana-based electric and natural gas business is seeking approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to acquire a 130MW solar array.
CenterPoint Energy Indiana South has entered into an agreement with Invenergy, who will construct the 130MW utility-owned project in Pike County, Indiana, to acquire the project upon its completion.
This project represents the third round of solar agreements introduced as part of the utility’s plan to meet stakeholder sustainability goals and implement a more cost-effective and diversified energy generation portfolio.
The agreement is subject to IURC approval.
The company was previously granted approval to build a solar array in Posey County now sized at 200MW, as well as enter into power purchase agreements totaling more than 400MWs in Warrick, Vermillion and Knox Counties in Indiana.
CenterPoint Energy senior vice president of generation development Steve Greenley said: “By seeking to add another universal solar project to our renewable energy portfolio, we continue to move forward with our long-term generation transition plan and remain committed to our economic and environmental goals for the region.
“If approved, with the addition of this project, will be adding nearly 800MWs of solar generation to power our southwestern Indianacustomers.”
Invenergy senior vice president of renewable development Michael Kaplan said: “Invenergy is pleased to be working with CenterPoint Energy to support the utility’s generation transition goals and to provide its customers in Indiana with clean energy.
“Our team looks forward to the completion of this project and growing our project portfolio within the state.”
Construction of the Pike County solar project is expected to begin upon obtaining a decision from the IURC which is expected in early 2023.
The project will support approximately 130 construction jobs during the construction period and is expected to be placed into service in 2025.